Smart scuttle waits for weather
Front section of MV Smart soon to disappear from view.
THE bow section of the MV Smart, which ran aground off Richards Bay on 19 August last year, is on the brink of being towed out to sea to be scuttled.
Attempts at refloating and removal of the fore section, comprising holds 1, 2 and part of 3, were hindered by high seas over the weekend but are ongoing.
The fully laden coal carrier ran aground off the port entrance during a massive storm on 19 August last when her rudder and propeller were damaged after hitting the sea bed.
All fuels on board were removed by 2 September and the stern section was successfully towed to an approved deep-water offshore location and scuttled on 5 October.
The remaining section of the vessel between holds 4 and 7, which is completely submersed and heavily damaged, will be removed by cutting into smaller parts and taken away piece by piece.
Subtech of Durban are undertaking the salvage operation.
I think it was a dumb idea to move it out in the first place. It could’ve been used for wave breaks, shallow water diving, and great spot for fishing. Why spend all this money to get contractors to move the wreck out to sea when it could actually bring money into the community???